Thursday, December 18, 2008

And Then...

So, if you haven't heard the word...we got an offer! We're in the negotiating process. It's not so fun. I have a question for you all. It is something that is really, really bothering me. We just asked our realtor to take a cut on her commission in order to meet the last $1000 between the buyer and us. I actually lucked out and got to do it via email because her phone went dead. I'm such a chicken. BUT, it makes Mark and I both feel disrespectful in a way and it was a very hard thing to do...even through email. Is it okay to do? Is it right, wrong, or indifferent? Is it good business or bad business? These are the questions plaguing us right now as we await her response. We have already lowered our asking price a staggering $20,000 from HER original list price. So, we feel that we absolutely cannot budge the remainder. We even suggested that perhaps she and the other realtor could split the difference to make this sale happen. Our contract expires 12/31. It is seeming like this might be her last opportunity and to me, taking a small hit is better than losing the whole thing. What do you all think?

Any comments out there?!?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dustin says it doesn't hurt to ask and if she doesn't want to then you dont do it. It's not a big deal.

As I was reading your post (out loud to him) I was totally "getting" everything you were saying and I think it makes a lot of sence. If you wrote all that out to her, I cant see her not agreeing. She is not making any money here either! May as well make during this tough time of year.

Good luck!! That would be great!

Jen and Ryan said...

I agree with the first post. The end desired outcome is to sell the house. If she doesn't want to lower the commission, then she obviously doesn't want to sell the house. And the way the economy is going, money is money. If she's a good agent, she'll see that there may not be another offer until after the first of the year. Good luck and keep us posted!

Rebekah said...

Considering realtors make a lot of money on a sale, I would say that it's safe to assume they can take a cut in pay. Besides, when Mark was in business for himself, didn't people try to ask for a lower price if they couldn't pay the asking price?

Michelle said...

I agree with everyone else. I think negotiation is a difficult job, and you just have to do what you think is best for your family and situation. Money is always a taboo topic and in today's economy and this time of year, it's even more difficult to discuss. Maybe she'll meet you in the middle if she's not so hot on losing that much of her commission. If she says no, well you pursue other options and don't recommend her as an agent to anyone ;) Good luck! Praying for you!

Chelf said...

I read already the next post that said you sold...

Without that information, I would have said that if the buyer was quibbling over $1000 when you already had come down $20,000... then THEY don't really want the house.

With that information... well, it doesn't matter, they signed the papers! Hooray! Huzzah! And CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

February I plan to be in Wichita one weekend. We need to have a bloggy trip to Starbucks!